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Asthma and Perfume on a Plane

I was sitting in seat 2F aboard flight 91. I realized that there were several people around me wearing perfume or other strong scents. Because of this, I put on my miniature air purifier. I did this because I have very severe asthma and allergies to perfumes and scents. Having an asthma attack is not something I want to experience at 30,000 feet, and so I carry my miniature air purifier. This device has made it possible for me to travel in comfort. I have flown with this device on many airlines and have never been told it was not allowed.

About an hour into the flight, Cynthia, a flight attendant told me that it was against Jet Blue regulations to wear such devices in cabin. I explained to her that I have asthma, that I have severe allergies and that I need something to help me deal with the perfumes and scents that people around me are wearing.

I asked her if she would ask the travelers sitting around me to voluntarily use alcohol wipes to remove the perfume. She refused. She was adamant that I turn off the device, and offered no other assistance, except for a white claustrophobic mask. Wearing a mask would not have helped me. I again explained to her that I have asthma and that I need to wear the air purifier in order to breath clean air.

Later on in the flight, she showed me a page from the Jet Blue regulations, showing me that Jet Blue does not allow such devises. The device pictured on the page did not look anything like my own device.

Later on, Cynthia apologized and told me she was just following orders, and handed me a yellow slip, showing that I did not comply with a request by the crew. I do not blame Cynthia for her actions. She was doing her best to follow with the rules of her job. Whether she agrees with the rules or not, whether the rule makes any sense or not, she is compelled to comply.

After another hour into the flight, Cynthia called me away from my seat and asked me to meet her in the galley. I complied. She informed me that if I did not turn off my miniature air purifier, the captain would ground the plane at salt lake city and eject me from the plane. Feeling trapped and not wanting to inconvenience the passengers, I turned off my device.

Besides perfume and scents, severe emotional distress can also bring on an asthma attack. Being threatened with ejection from the plane and causing terrible inconvenience to all the passengers onboard, was too stressful for me. I finally had the asthma attack that had been building up for the last few hours due to the perfume.

I am a disabled person. Even though asthma and allergies are "hidden" and not as obvious as a missing limb, for example, they are still viable and real disabilities under the Americans With Disabilities Act. As a disabled person, I have the right to protect my health any way that I can, so long as I do not endanger others to do it. Wearing a miniature air purifier is hardly a health hazard to a plane full of people. People who wear strong scents in cramped and enclosed public spaces, like a crowded plane, are a very real and serious health hazard to the many millions of travelers who suffer from asthma and allergies.

Airlines have gone a long way to protect the health of passengers, particularly those of us with asthma and allergies by banning smoking, so why not ban the wearing of strong perfumes and scents? No matter how good the air circulation is on an airplane, it cannot filter out strong perfumes and scents. An allergy sufferer or asthmatic needs assistance and support from flight attendants so that they can be comfortable in the cabin. That assistance and support should include asking people wearing strong scents to wash them off.

Finally, after I begged Cynthia to do something to help me, she asked the people around me to do this. Only one complied. I went back to my seat and was wheezing uncontrollably. I begged another flight attendant for help. I asked for oxygen. He seemed a bit put out, but finally, Cynthia came along and found an oxygen tank, which she passed over to me. I spent the last 90 minutes of the flight using the oxygen tank.

When I am exposed to a contaminant, it can take up to two weeks for my lungs to heal and for the contaminant to clear from my system. The symptoms are very much like the flu.

This situation could have been entirely avoided if 1) the airline allowed me to wear my air purifier and 2) the flight attendant made a serious effort to ask the people around me to remove their scents.

I am formally disputing the claim made by Jet Blue staff that I "refused to comply" with the orders of the flight crew. I should not be penalized for trying to protect my health.

If I recall correctly, several airlines have been cited by the FAA for failing to accommodate disabled persons with scenarios such as yours. You would be doing yourself and fellow passengers a service if you would make your complaint with the closest office of the FAA. For that matter, you may want to get in touch with one of the advocacy groups for disabled persons to make your case for you.

the strictures against the air purifier machines is that some of the early models exploded in flight (one on Jet Blue and i believe they were the first to outlaw them) and also TSA has a hard time with them as not being medical equipment, as they don't need a prescription so some flyers have had them confiscated at security. SO maybe some airlines feel it's not worth it if they may be disallowed at security anyway.

I'm very sorry you had such a difficult experience. As a person with a hidden disability myself, I too know what it feels like when your concerns are minimized by those who simply don't understand.

That said, however, venting here may help you feel better temporarily but it won't change anything in the long run. You need to learn to become an advocate for yourself and others who share your problem. And as mztery suggested, you need to educate yourself about what is and isn't permitted first. Then, armed with knowledge and your own personal story, you can approach the FAA, TSA, your congressman, etc, and work to get the regulations changed, if they are indeed senseless or unnecessary.

By the way, Amazon shows over 60 different models of mini air purifiers and I doubt if any of them are marked as specifically approved for air travel. If I were in your situation, I wouldn't put myself in the position you were in but would make darn sure I had with me whatever it takes to deal with a possible severe asthmatic or allergic reaction.

Your flight attendant Cynthia, as well as Jet Blue, were simply following their own as well as FAA regulations, and I suspect most other airlines have similar regulations. The fact that you have been allowed use of your device before may simply mean that the FAs were too busy to notice. I'm pretty confident that if you search deep enough into other carriers' websites, you will find similar restrictions. Here's a sample of what I found in 2-3 minutes:

Jet Blue specifically says your device may not be used onboard or carried in checked luggage: 'Personal Air Purifiers are small, portable air cleaners worn with a neck strap and are NOT considered "medical devices." (Medical devices include portable oxygen concentrators, respirators and/or ventilators.) Battery operated Personal Air Purifiers may NOT be used onboard JetBlue aircraft at any time (while the aircraft is parked at the gate, during taxi, take-off, enroute to the Customer’s destination, or upon landing.) Personal Air Purifiers brought onboard by Customers should always be placed in the "OFF" position. In addition, battery operated Personal Air Purifiers are prohibited from checked baggage.'

United Airlines says: 'Whether battery operated or requiring electrical connection, all electrical devices have the potential to interfere with important aircraft systems. The use of personal electronic equipment is also governed by FAA regulations. Customers who need to use medical devices while onboard must obtain prior approval from United at least 48 hours before departure. We may need special information, including the name and telephone number of your physician. Where specific medical device needs cannot be accommodated, physicians from United's Medical Department will attempt to discuss alternatives with your physician to help ensure that your trip will be safe and comfortable.'

Delta Airlines has almost two pages addressing assistive devices, listing restrictions, approved devices and stating all must meet FAA as well as the airline's approval.

American Airlines offers information almost identical to Delta's. Ditto Southwest.

I meant to add: as unfortunate and unfair as it seems, it's not the airlines' or other passengers' responsibility to ensure you don't have a serious reaction. That responsibility belongs to you. The one passenger who responded to your plight was wonderfully kind and helpful, as was Cynthia when she finally gave you the oxygen you requested. But you can't count on strangers to put themselves out in order to accommodate your needs. I've learned that over and over again and now I make sure I'm well aware of the difficulties, restrictions and problems I may face when I travel. I've had to because I love to travel and I don't want ever to lose the ability to do so.

I often rub a small amount of expensive perfume on my wrist when I fly so that I can hold them up to my nose if a nearby passenger has unbearable body odor (something one never had to worry about back in the day.)

I, of course, would take it off if anyone asked for health reasons. I don't get why the other passengers were not willing to comply - another sign of the rudeness that has become airline travel.

OP -- Really terrible and frightening experience for you -- can't imagine going through that. Because of the acute nature of your health situation, you clearly need to check the rules for each airline before booking. If JetBlue has experienced an in-flight explosion from such equipment, I am sympathetic if they felt the need to develop a blanket prohibition. Given that other airlines will allow it with prior approval, you need to fly with them. A real lesson for everyone to check on what is allowed in terms of accommodating medical equipment and not just hope for the best.

For all the folks posting official policy and regulations, thanks, but it never even occurred to me to look it up before I got on the plane, and I've used it on planes from other carriers without incident. The darned thing is so tiny and innocuous. It looks like a necklace. I honestly didn't think it was an issue. Painful lessons learned.

For those that were wondering... Upon landing, I was greeted by an official from Jet Blue who said he wanted to "debrief" me. His tone was accusatory and insulting. He made a gesture to grab my arm. I was so angry and frightened. I knew that if I opened my mouth, I'd say something rude, and I wasn't going anywhere with this guy, so I just kept quiet and walked right past him as quickly as I could. He didn't give chase. I went to the carousel, got my luggage and left the airport without incident.

I did talk to a lawyer and was told that the cost and mental anguish of taking Jet Blue to court wasn't worth it. So now it's been a year, and regrettably, I've done nothing about this, other than complain in writing to Jet Blue and post my story on FB. I have a lot going on in my life and just don't have the time to pursue this anymore, even though I know I should.

After about a dozen emails, Jet Blue offered me a $275 gift certificate to compensate for my treatment. I refused it. I tell everyone I know about my story. Doesn't do much to hurt their bottom line, but word of mouth is about all I have time for right now.

If I decide to fly again, I am asking my doctor to prescribe a POC. Several models are approved by the FAA, and there are very strict guidelines for carrying one. These devices cost $2000-5000, but work anywhere, and make my invisible disability VERY VISIBLE. Perhaps that's all people need to see, since asking politely for help isn't getting me anywhere. The only downside to carrying a POC is it's another thing to carry and it takes up major space, so I'll have to rethink how I pack and put more stuff in checked baggage rather than carry-on.

Sanelson, I think you have done many people a service by posting your story and eduacting others. I can certainly understand that you would have no reason to check the airline's policy in advance and were therefore caught unawares. Was the 'gift certificate' a credit towards future flights? If so, no use to you, obviously. But if something more flexible, I don't see why you didn't accept it, sort of like accepting an apology, right?

I'm baffled that someone with a disability ie very severe asthma and allergies to perfume would not think to inform the airline when booking or check the airline's regulations about medical conditions & equipment and then be outraged when the airline crew asks that the prohibited device be turned off during the flight.

I side with JetBlue - while sympathic to the delima of the traveller - it is HER responsibility to ensure her device is approved. I think they treated her fairly under the circumstances - particularly when she did not even do them the courtesy of doing the "debriefing" where she would have learned their rules and perhaps the background as to how they came to be. Very likely they were sued by other passengers when the device exploded for not "providing a safe travelling environment". It is hard to please everyone

"...flight attendant told me that it was against Jet Blue regulations to wear such devices in cabin..."

"Later on in the flight, she showed me a page from the Jet Blue regulations, showing me that Jet Blue does not allow such devises (sic)..."

"After another hour into the flight...she informed me that if I did not turn off my miniature air purifier, the captain would ground the plane at salt lake city and eject me from the plane..."

"Being threatened with ejection from the plane and causing terrible inconvenience to all the passengers onboard, was too stressful for me..."

"This situation could have been entirely avoided if 1) the airline allowed me to wear my air purifier and 2) the flight attendant made a serious effort to ask the people around me to remove their scents."

Sympathetic as I am to the situation you found yourself in, I can't agree with your last comment above. The situation was entirely of your own making. Regulations pertaining to the use of devices such as yours are on airline websites and easily accessed. If you don't use the internet, you can telephone.

I am also sympathetic toward other passengers on your flight who were undoubtedly made very uneasy and/or uncomfortable with the situation you created in continuing to use your device after being instructed to turn it off.

And I am sympathetic toward the FA who was following regulations while dealing with a difficult situation.

Odinon Aug 19, 12 at 5:56am
I'm baffled that someone with a disability ie very severe asthma and allergies to perfume would not think to inform the airline when booking or check the airline's regulations about medical conditions & equipment and then be outraged when the airline crew asks that the prohibited device be turned off during the flight.

I am sorry, but the people who actually refused to remove their perfume with a supplied wipe were a* holes. How mean,, you were in distress and only one person bothered to do something that cost them NOTHING to help another human being be able to breath,, honestly shameful.

And I love wearing perfume, but in an enclosed area with someone I knew was suffering I would take it off immediatly if asked.

Me too justineparis and if a FA asked me to do that and explained the situation, there would be no grumbling at all. That's what I meant when I said, "the Fa should have been a little more sympathetic."

True the silly steward could have made this all a non event,, but for some reason it seemed more important to watch someone have an attack then merely politely explain to those sitting near her the problem and asking if they could remove perfumes etc,, I think(well hope) more people would have complied if it had been explained to them properly.

Wouldn't you have realised before getting on the flight with so many people in close proximity that there would be people with perfumes etc that might cause an asthma attack. You sound like you were surprised to find that when you got on board

I too understand the airlines stance, even though I sympathize with the OP. It's useful information for others to know, so the OP deserves credit for alerting others. It does sound as though the stewardess could have been more helpful, and I totally don't get why the other passengers wouldn't remove their perfumes.

I believe if you read her write up - she asked the attendant to ask those around her to remove their perfume - the attendant declined to do so and the OP never made the request directly. Other travelers were not aware of the situation.

For those that asked, I did ask the airline, 48 hours in advance, if there was anything they could do. They said they could not unless I were carrying oxygen or a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) and if I had a note from my doctor. At the time I didn't think I needed either of these devices or a note. I never thought to ask about the tiny air purifier, since I'd worn it a couple of years before on another airline, and wear it often on buses, light rail, subway, etc. For what its worth, I don't travel that much (one flight every couple of years), and my allergies were not this bad, the last time I flew. In the almost two years since this incident the perfume allergy has gotten much, much worse.

Sanelson, I have nut and peanut allergies, and the reality is that each airline handles food allergies differently, just as they do your device. Furthermore, passengers are pretty selfish on an airline. I once posted here how I finally found the foil bags of tunafish that I could open without a knife or scissors to eat and people berated me for eating something smelly on an airplane.

One thing I would recommend is that you get a signed (preferably notarized) letter from your doctor stating your medical condition and the recommended medications/devices for treatment. If you are going to another country, I'd have a translation of it made.

Finally, the other thing I would suggest you ask your doctor is, are there medicines he/she recommends you take before or during your flight in case a medical device doesn't work, or if it isn't allowed. Check with him/her also about things like plain saline drops for the nose. I do this 2-4 hours before my flight.

Nothing I can add to some of the above comments above - but as a nurse I find myself fascinated with such a device. First, I have never heard of such a thing and after Googling it found many models on sale - since I did not even know what they looked like. A couple of descriptions noted they were not allowed on aircraft - still not exactly sure why.

But what I am most wondering about is how they actually work. Not questioning that yours is effective for you - only you can know that. But most indicate they are effective for removing particles from the air - that would explain effectiveness on general particle pollution like on a city street. But wondering how they work on gasses - which is what I presume is what perfume odors would be, since they do not seem designed or able to do that - some scientific sites stating that one needs a much larger type device to do that with technology that is too small to be worn around ones neck.

Always interested in learning something new - so if OP is still around, any info you could provide would help me do that - hopefully some sort of info from a source other than the manufacturer.

Hopefully you will get this worked out so that you can enjoy future travel. A letter from an MD will not be effective in revising airline regulations for you on a particular flight for 3 reasons. They don't let individual MDs write the rules for an airline. But more importantly, anyone can create some impressive looking letterhead and authentic-sounding letter on their home computer in about 5 minutes. Third, while this device is effective medically for you, that does not necessarily make it a recognized "medical device" in terms of the airline. These definitions/lists are rather short and restricted - and while this device serves that purpose for you, it is that way to prevent random people from calling anything a "medical device", getting a letter and taking it on board (I still remember the story from some years ago where a passenger demanded, successfully, that her pot bellied pig was a Service Animal. Things did not go well on board with a pig ransacking the plane galley in search of food)

With all due respect, tuna fish is one of the strongest smells one could open on an airplane. Sat across the aisle once from a woman who had purchased a tuna salad sandwich and the aroma lingered the entire 3 hour flight. And I like tuna fish, just not on an plane, please.

Icepacks/gelpacks are not allowed through the gate, which would keep many foods I would bring safely cold for a long flight, especially when you think about delays, layovers etc. Some airlines offer foods for sale that are safe for me to eat, in which I buy them. Most don't. I could gamble with whatever it is they are serving, but then you might need to make an emergency landing to take me to the hospital.

Hey, I was not berating you, just offering up an opinion on a strong smell. What exactly was your point? Personally, I think perfumes and other strong scents, like tuna, brie, unwashed bodies, are all pretty much the same in enclosed places. Surely you can refrain from tuna fish on a plane ride.

I guess if it is a question of smelling tuna for the entire flight or making an emergency landing to take 5alive to the hospital, we will choose the tuna - however - how the heck are the people on this board supposed to know that tuna is the only snack 5alive can bring on a plane that is safe for her to eat? Most people can safely eat a variety of foods which are not smelly and can be brought on planes.

I get by on an apple and crackers when it's a domestic flight, so most of you are safe. But when I went to Italy from the west coast I had about 16 hours of air time and a short layover. I was supposed to get to the initial airport 2 hours early. And bring whatever food I needed because they don't officially serve peanut/nut free meals on the airline anymore. When you add up the travel time there and from the final airport, it was close to a 24-hour period. At some point, I need a little protein or I get light headed.

I can't eat nuts, peanuts or other legumes and went through the grocery store looking for ideas. As I said previously, it was hard to find anything that didn't need scissors, knife or can opener to open them.

I myself think peanuts smell far worse, and even just a slight peanut smell makes me want to vomit. I had that every day in cafeterias growing up. So I do empathize and would be interested in alternative foods that would keep.

5alive, if you can eat eggs, then hard boiled eggs actually can be eaten if not refrigerated( in shell not mixed with anything). When I grew up we hardboiled and dyed eggs for easter, we then put them in a decorative basket for the a day or two.. then my grandmother made egg salad with the next day. We never got sick from that..

She also made that braided easter bread with an egg in it( a whole hard egg in shell as decoration) ,, we ate it ,, no one got sick,, maybe our family was unusual, lol

Also, ( just throwing out some ideas for protein foods, so that you can have more choices) what about beef jerky or those dried pepproni sticks that are individually wrapped, or ( and I am not sure about this being allowed, or if its too related to your allergins) what about little tins( they make ring pull tab tops on some) of baked beans.. ( ha ha, may be another odor result that people would complain about too..lol )

I actually like those little tins of tuna myself, but beleive me I know some people hate the smell. My son and his girlfriend broke up after dating for 2 years.. she was not a happy camper,, and went into his apartment , opened tins of tuna and dumped them on his bed,, because he hated the smell so much and they would fight every time she opened a tin. I liked her alot and secretly thought it was hilarious...

One thing you can do to minimize the tuna smell is immediatly after eating tuna, rince tin out in washroom and bag it in plastic bag and throw it out. The tuna tin or pouch can make the smell linger.

5alive, I wonder if those insulated lunch bags would help - then you could take something like sliced turkey or other lunch meat, or cheese.

(I do agree tuna doesn't smell great when you're not the one eating it. But the worst to me is people who buy food like pepperoni pizza at the airport and proceed to eat it on the plane. I doubt they "need" to be eating pepperoni pizza)

5alive, they make those little foil pouches with chicken too. I don't know how/if that fits into your needs but it might give you a bit more variety (I'm biased, I prefer chicken to tuna). I have very little sense of smell but the chicken might smell less than the tuna and still meet your needs.

In response to Gail the nurse: The tiny air purifier cleans the air and seems to help with perfume, but admittedly, on a six hour flight, it probably would not be able to keep up. One of the perfume wearers was right next to me. Just thinking about that flight and sitting next to these people is making me nauseous.

I'm on newer stronger meds now. Have not tested them in-flight. Tested them with a walk through a department store. I still get headaches from strong perfume odor but haven't gotten an asthma attack. I'm actually too scared to travel on a plane now. Wondering if I can tolerate a train ride across country and back. At least I can get off or move to another car if there are perfume wearers around.

For much less than the cost of a RT Amtrak ticket cross country, you could fly first class - not that first class passengers don't wear perfume or eat tuna fish, but at least the seat separation is greater.

I tried getting first class on JetBlue and they didn't have it. I did pay extra, however, to sit up front.

I paid for first class on my flight from Oakland to Boston, on Delta, and it was the most enjoyable flying experience I'd ever had. Great food, great treatment by cabin crew. Kind and thoughtful passengers who were not wearing any perfume or cologne. Struck up a conversation with the guy sitting next to me when I pulled out my MacBook Pro to do some writing. We talked Mac and politics and favorite TV shows.

Things haven't improved since your horrible experience. What amazes me, is that many flight attendants wear tons of smelly fragrances. You'd think the airlines would have a policy prohibiting their use of fragrances. That would be a good start in addressing the problem.

Also, it would be helpful if the airlines magazines would put in a request that passengers go easy on the fragrances in order to help keep the air cleaner. And the soap in the restrooms could be fragrance-free.

I bring a long cotton scarf with me when I travel. I wrap it around my face and wear it like a mask- not very comfortable.

Here is my perspective as someone with severe allergies and asthma. I think it is made much more complicate than needs be: I have severe peanut/tree nut/shellfish allergies, and also have egg, mango and latex allergies, celiac disease (cannot eat wheat, rye, barley or oats) and asthma. I am very sensitive to perfumes, artificial fragrances, cleaning products and cigarette smoke (even if it is just on people's clothing)

The last time I flew I broke out in hives just from touching the seats and/or table on the plane. Last year my niece auditioned for a travelling performance of the nutcracker and she got a part - I was so excited to see her dance - I paid the same amount for my not-cheap ticket as everyone else and I could not sit in my seat due to the woman in the row ahead of mine. I think she must have bathed in perfume! She was oblivious to the people getting up and leaving, moving away from her, complaining to the ushers. Non-asthmatic people, even. She ruined the experience for me and made it less enjoyable for others because she did not stop to think how her choices might affect other people. I had to stand in the back for the entire performance with a scarf wrapped around my mouth and nose.

I try to book peanut/nut free flights but that is not always possible. There is absolutely no way that any airline can provide me with safe food; if my choice is between opening tuna on a plane or going hungry during a long flight, I wouldn't hesitate to choose tuna - unless another passenger informed me they they had an allergy to tuna or fish, in which case I would gladly go hungry to help a fellow human being stay healthy and comfortable. I don't think I should be required to wear a sign on my back to explain my choice to other passengers, either. Just like it is up to me to manage my own health, it is up to other passengers to inform me if I am having a negative effect on their health.

Health, safety and physical/emotional comfort is priority - preferences have no weight on a plane. People may *want* to wear perfume, or eat peanuts, or kick the seat in front of where they sit, or blast loud music, but they don't *need* to do those things to survive the flight. I, and many others, *do* need to avoid certain things to stay healthy (and really, avoid inconveniencing everybody by prompting an emergency landing because of something trivial like the insistence of the 'right' to do _______. People with asthma and allergies deserve the same basic right to clean air just as much as everybody else. I am continuously baffled when people but their preferences above the health and safety of another human being.

My personal survival plan for flying: I wear long sleeves, pants and closed-toe shoes minimize contact reactions. I have never gone as far as to wear gloves, but I have thought about it, lol. I wipe down as much as I can with wipes to remove any food protein residue. I pack my own food. I carry benadryl, two epinephrine auto-injectors and my rescue inhaler + aerochamber. I wear my MedicAlert bracelet, which, strange as it sounds often makes people accept what I say more seriously. I wear a hepa filter respirator mask - fantastic for filtering out chemicals and allergens (Respro makes good ones). I may look like Darth Vader but at least I can breathe. It does nothing for my eyes however, perfume will make them burn and itch and water... the red eyes just add to the Darth Vader look, lol. I just pack my portable nebulizer with my regular baggage, which has worked fine so far. My logic is that if it is a potential danger to use onboard, and I have my inhaler in place of it, and there is oxygen available on the plane, then I don't feel the need to seek permission to use it in the cabin. But I also recognize that someone else may have a greater need for it than I do and may have no choice but to seek permission.

How nice it must be to be able to walk onto a plane without trying to brainstorm and prepare for every possible danger or problem that might pop up mid-flight. Refraining from wearing perfume seems to be a minor action that makes a big difference to the allergic community. And probably to a lot of other people who just don't want to be surrounded by a clash of potent, overbearing perfumes!

Such is life, but I still like to believe that many people just don't know or don't think about possible ways their choices and preferences may affect others. Necessities are necessities but I like to believe that preferences would be regarded as more flexible if people stopped to consider the potential health risks of _______ to fellow humans in certain public places or situations.

I think that almost everybody does not like to sit next to a heavily perfumed person in an airplane. So going easy on perfumes or cologne could be considered common courtesy.

OTOH, if you are allergic, even small doses of scent which would be barely detectable by others other than as a "nice clean smell" can have the same effect as a lot of perfume.

If you take into account all the possible allergies which can prevail in a plane with 200-300 people, it seems to be impossible to cater for everyone's needs. People can be allergic to gluten or soy. To nuts or apples. To shellfish or tomatos.

I would not (by health standards) care about a lot of perfume, but you should come from a cat-free home and wear no cashmere or lambswool (or similar).
It won't help if you put your cashmere scarf in the bin, as that action would have already contaminated all the air around me. And so on.
Just because you *think* you could easily foresee and accomodate any fellow passengers' allergies on a plane, truth is you can't. And I doubt that we can keep cat or dog owners from traveling by air..

Marlie, Shawnieblue and Cowboy1968, as well as all the others who responded thoughtfully and sincerely, I thank you for your encouragement and advice.

Just wanted to update folks on this year's back east trip. I flew United both ways. Thought the cabin crew was more polite, professional and human.

I survived both flights without any serious allergic reactions of any kind. I attribute this to several factors, the first being new meds. Singulair was added to my regimen and it has really helped with long-term exposure to allergens. I also give credit to my husband. He is a very calming influence and I can handle a lot more environmental stress when he's around. But probably the most important thing for this trip was that there were no perfume wearers nearby on these flights. Luck of the draw or twist of fate?

Instead, I got screaming babies. While I'm not a fan of screaming, I have a lot more tolerance for it. Poor little things are experiencing all sorts of bodily changes in flight that we take for granted. Its understandable, and the parents were sensible and apologetic.

In closing, I think if people were just more mindful of the entire cabin, rather than sitting in oblivion with headphones on, then it goes a long way in making the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Thanks for the update. I remember your original post well, and the critical response of some who basically said "you should have known...." This approach always seems unfair to me for those who have made legitimate efforts to manage their situation and run into unexpected obstacles. If we all knew everything we needed to know in advance there would be no need for forums such as this, right?

Glad to hear your recent flying experience was more positive. Although not allergic , I have become increasingly aware of and annoyed by the chemical odours we are surrounded by in all kinds of public spaces. Here's to fresh air!

Those of you who were placing the responsibility on the traveler are seriously mistaken, legally. The American's with Disabilities act makes it clear that it is the responsibility of the BUSINESS to make accommodations for persons with disabilities. Setting reasonable indoor air pollution standards is a reasonable accommodation for an increasing public health problem. The incidence of childhood asthma has skyrocketed, largely due to exposure to indoor pollutants. The EPA classifies cologne/perfume/scents as a source of indoor pollution. These "scents" give off VOCs or volatile chemical compounds. They create problems for those with asthma, chronic bronchitis, multiple chemical sensitivity (another skyrocketing problem) and COPD (among others). The health impacts can NOT be prevented by a paper mask. And one individual is not reasonably able to prevent the problem. But the airline is. Wearing cologne, body spray, etc. is a voluntary activity. It is not a protected "right" and when it causes harm, up to and including hospitalization, (people die in asthma attacks, folks), then it is incumbent upon the PUBLIC and businesses to learn to temper their use of (offensive, by the way, when it is strong) chemicals in public. This is especially true in tight spaces where other people can't get away from it.

There are now employers, including cities, counties, etc, that ban the use of scented products (including personal care products) at work. Some movie theatres, playhouses, and even restaurants are posting policies that allow the management to evict or move someone who is wearing strong scent. This is because the businesses are being successfully sued by people who have serious medical reactions and then sue them to recover the expense and damage. It is important to know that the effects of exposure are cumulative and progressive. So it isn't just a temporary inconvenience. It is a serious problem that is being dismissed by too many.

So… bottom line, it is not really her job to accommodate to you. It is the airline's job to accommodate to a disability. Just as it is not reasonable to tell someone who needs a wheelchair to just give up flying, it is also not reasonable to tell someone with asthma that they can't fly because they may (or may not - no control here) be subjected to air pollution of sufficient strength to prompt an attack.

Shame on Jet Blue and other airlines. Soon enough they will be sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act because someone will have a serious medical complication and their short-sighted response will contribute. I understand about the danger of explosion. That's important and reasonable to outlaw and prevent. But having something in place in the event that a passenger is endangered in this way is equally important. The airline may need to supply oxygen or acceptable air purification system/device just as they supply wheelchairs and transport to disabled passengers.

Just two days ago I had a similar incident when flying from Heathrow to Atlanta. Two hours into the flight the woman directly in front of me sprayed two long shots of perfume. My lungs closed up almost immediately. My rescue inhalers did not alleviate the symptoms. My husband went to find a flight attendant who informed us there were no other seats on the plane. I was stuck behind this woman. I was progressively getting into more distress and truthfully in tears with the chest pain and fear. My husband again when to the flight attendant and this time was told to bring me to the jump seat in the galley and they would give me oxygen. From this time on the British Airways flight attendant was very helpful and kind. I spent an hour and half on oxygen in the galley area. I finally returned to our row and sat on the aisle as it offered more air flow then the window seat and laid back with a napkin over my mouth and nose. It still smelled. Near the end of the flight the attendant did tell the woman in front of me that she caused me some severe distress and not to do that again. The woman never even made eye contact with me or offered any apology....yes that would have made me feel a bit better. My upset is they tell you about smoking why can't they make an announcement regarding spraying anything on a plane? It's a capsule full of people and I know lots of people who are bothered by perfumes. How do we get this started to make a change? I fly several times a year to Europe, this was a first for me. I'm now leary of flying again. What options are there for us? And yes British Airways knew about my asthma preflight as I was loaded with a wheelchair. It's that bad. It's been two and half days and I'm still having breathing problems, even after a doctor visit, from this serious set back. How do we educate the airlines about this problem?!

I hate to say it, but IMO the only way to get the airlines to pay attention would be to file a lawsuit, and win. A class action lawsuit (in the US) would be even better. Attendant publicity would also help.

Sandpile - I hope your recovery continues to go well and soon you can post a trip report on one or more or your several trips to Europe a year. What a shame to not share some of those experiences and instead make your first and only post as a newly registered Fodorite about this unfortunate incident.

Gail, I am still suffering from this incident, 2 and a half months later, but this post I followed was one of a VERY few I found regarding the subject of breathing problems on flights. It is important that people know there are genuine risks while traveling that are not addressed elsewhere. Sorry you found my need to seek out others who've suffered in flight a shame for a first post.

<<And yes British Airways knew about my asthma preflight as I was loaded with a wheelchair. It's that bad.>> There are many reasons people request wheelchairs, it might not be obvious that you requested it due to asthma. The crew might not know what triggers asthma, they are not medical staff. Unless you tell them, they won't know. In the same way some people are allergic to nuts, the airline usually makes an announcement to ask the other passengers not to eat nuts onboard, I am sure they would do the same for someone who had an allergy to perfume. But you need to tell the crew as soon as you get onboard and not just some FA during the flight, which is too late. I was on a flight once where the passengers were requested not to eat oranges or drink orange juice and it was not provided in any of the drink or meal services. This was at the request of a passenger who was extremely allergic to oranges.

<<The airline may need to supply oxygen or acceptable air purification system/device just as they supply wheelchairs and transport to disabled passengers.>> Conditions that need extra oxygen generally need medical clearance before being accepted for a flight. Some airlines provide the additional oxygen FOC and others will make you bring your own.

I think the difference is, that if the airline supplies oxygen to a passenger with breathing difficulties, that that is something the airline can control. The airline knows their own equipment, they will have tested it to make sure it is both effective and safe.

Whereas allowing people to use their own equipment, be it oxygen supply or some other electronic breathing filter, is another matter, unless it is clearly marked with some kind of permanent marking indicating it has been tested by a recognized authority and cleared for use on an aircraft. Bottom line, airlines can't be expected to do on-the-spot safety examinations of any equipment, even medical equipment, that someone brings on board.

As we all know from those safety videos, the airline is also required by law to provide supplementary oxygen to all pax in the event of an emergency. I'm guessing the the airline would need to test the safety of any equipment used by a passenger in the presence of such supplemental oxygen. Particularly when the ADA exclusions might cover such a scenario:

"the [employer/transportation provider] may refuse to employ or provide accommodations to an individual who poses a "direct threat" to the health or safety of him/herself or [others] ... The determination that an individual poses a direct threat to self or others cannot be made simply based on stereotypical generalizations about [a given] illness, but may be based only on objective evidence from a... credible source... that the individual’s present condition makes him or her a direct threat to self or others."

The question of course is the interpretation of the word 'condition'. If someone requires medical equipment that for one reason or another is deemed incompatible with flight conditions, that could presumably constitute an exclusion.

I'm not saying that that was the case for the OP; only that I can sympathize with the problems of both the OP and the airline.

I actually had to advise why I requested a wheelchair for the flight. So the asthma was advised but I do appreciate Odon mentioning that I should say something to the crew. That is a great idea and I will do that as I'm flying again in week.

My next flight with Air France I have even called the medical line, yes they have one, and made sure the new nebulizer I will carry is FAA approved and allowed to be used during flight.
I recommend this extra step to anyone carrying medical equipment. Not only is the airline clearly advised but no surprises in the air. They too are very nice and helpful.

I understand that the airline is not responsible for my care and I truly believe the Flight Attendant that helped me was amazing, considerate and caring and I made sure through email and letter that his exemplary work was brought to the attention of British Airways. I truly believe British Airways did everything within their power to assist and I appreciate that sincerely. The only reason for a lawsuit would be to bring attention to this problem and that isn't the direction I'd care to go. Has to be a better way.

I also have no issue with the lady who sprayed the perfume. She had no way to know the effect she would cause. I blame no one for this incident.

My issue would be that maybe it's time for the spraying of anything in the air on a flight not be allowed and mentioned in the preflight talk regarding safety. Maybe it's time for yet another change in regulations. I'm not the only one whose had problems with smells, of all kinds on flights.

I also again would love to say British Airways has always been a great airline to fly, they go the extra step to make sure your trip is a good one!